HR Operations Manager - Education Sector

HR Operations Manager
£46,000 per annum
Chelmsford, Essex
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-5pm Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm

My client is seeking an experienced HR professional to lead their HR operations and wellbeing services. This role plays a key part in creating a positive, high performing workplace where staff feel supported, engaged and able to thrive.

You will oversee day to day HR services, provide expert advice to managers, and help shape people initiatives that support performance, wellbeing and compliance across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a HR Adviser and HR Apprentice
• Lead and manage the day to day delivery of HR services
• Coach and support the HR team to deliver a professional, people focused service
• Improve HR processes to enhance efficiency and the employee experience
• Provide practical, clear HR advice on issues such as absence, performance, conduct, capability and wellbeing
• Support and coach managers to handle people matters confidently and consistently
• Manage and oversee complex employee relations cases
• Ensure HR practices comply with employment law, safeguarding requirements and business policies
• Act as Deputy Staff Safeguarding Lead and respond appropriately to concerns
• Support organisational change processes in line with legislation and policy
• Contribute to probation, appraisal, performance review and mandatory training processes
• Help develop and deliver staff engagement and wellbeing initiatives
• Coordinate wellbeing activities, benefits and resources (e.g. Perkbox)
• Support staff with health disclosures and reasonable adjustments, ensuring duty of care is met
• Promote an inclusive, supportive and respectful workplace culture
• Maintain accurate HR data and produce reports to identify trends and risks
• Support HR projects and wider people initiatives
• Keep HR policies and procedures up to date
• Maintain professional knowledge through CPD and mandatory training

The ideal candidate

• CIPD Level 5 and above (or equivalent) essential
• Proven experience in HR management, generalist role providing solution focussed practical HR advice.
• Experience of working within a highly regulated sector (e.g education, healthcare, social care or financial services)
• Practical knowledge and experience of employment legislation, application and compliance
• Experience of being a designated safeguarding lead.
• Experience of developing / implementing HR systems and databases
• Up to date knowledge of employment legislation and public sector statutory duties
• Ability to build strong, credible working relationship and coach and mentor managers.
• Proactive and solutions-focussed, with a drive to continuously improve processes and candidate experience.
• Resilient and adaptable, comfortable working at pace and responding to changing priorities.

We are an equal-opportunities employer who puts expertise, energy and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities and more. By showcasing talents, skills and unique experiences in an inclusive environment, we help individuals thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.